How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020?

Hello. I am using Windows 10, and I have automatic updates switched off. Previously I had Windows stuck in an eternal reboot loop, so I decided not to have updates setting set on automatic. Nevertheless, I am now having problems with the update installation. As soon as I try to update Windows 10 to the latest version, I receive a message “Windows could not search for new updates. Code 0x80070020.” I did not have any problems updating Windows manually before, but now I don't know what to do. Can you please help me to solve this issue?

Windows patch day[1] is quite exciting news for everyone – software developers who patiently wait if everything functions correctly when it goes live; as well as for users who are enthusiastic about the new features and capabilities the new patch brings.

Unfortunately, looking back at the history of Windows updates, we could not find a patch that would not have some kind of installation issues. There are three typical Windows Updates installation problems:

The new version or update does not download;

The new version of the OS or its update is downloaded completely, but cannot be installed;

The new OS version or its update is successfully downloaded and installed but is immediately rejected, and the system rolls back to the previous condition.

Have you ever encountered any of these problems? You probably did. Each instance of Windows Update failure is marked with an error code, which purpose is to help people find out more about the error, its culprit, and fixes.

One such Windows 10 Update Errors is 0x80070020. It has first been reported in 2015 when the new Windows version, Windows 10, has been released. Microsoft has patched the issue successfully, and it did not reoccur up till now. The message states the following:

Windows could not search for new updatesAn error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer.Error(s) found:Code 0x80070020 Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

Unfortunately, Windows 10 Creators Update[2] revived 0x80070020 error, and many people now are waiting for the fixes. The biggest problem is that there is no single trigger that could have influenced the emergence of this bug. Now, it might be related to third-party antivirus, Windows Update service (specifically BITS[3] in this case) or even malware. Thus, to fix the 0x80070020 error, you may need to try several methods.

Solution 1. Uninstall third-party antivirus program

To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage.

Windows Update bugs are commonly triggered by third-party anti-virus software that may be conflicting with some Windows Update components and, therefore, blocking their download/install. If you want to get rid of the third-party security software, follow these steps (if you want a quicker solution, you can use Perfect Uninstaller):

Press Ctrl+ Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager

Locate third-party security software and select End task

Type in Apps & Features into the search box located in the taskbar

From the list, pick anti-virus software, and click Uninstall

Reboot your PC

Solution 2. Restart BITS service

To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage.

According to Windows experts, 0x80070020 error is usually related to the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), which is responsible for delivering and preparing Windows updates. It the process stops or gets corrupt due to recent system changes or, for example, malware, you should restart BITS.

Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press OK

Locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and right-click it

Select Properties and open General tab

Find Startup Type and select Automatic

If the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) process is not running, right-click it and select Start

Confirm the changes and close Services window

Solution 3. Reset Windows Update components

To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage.

For most of Windows 10 users, restarting BITS service helped to fix 0x80070020 error. If, however, that did not help, we would recommend resetting all Windows Update components. That’s a quite complicated task, but the instructions provided in this post carefully will guide you to the right direction.

Solution 6. Scan the system for malware

To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage.

If none of the fixes helped, the last thing you should try is to check the system for malware.[4] It might be that a malicious program is hiding in the depth of the operating system and causing its malfunctions. To verify system’s condition, we would highly recommend using Reimage.

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